Tucked away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sioux Falls Aquatics has built a devoted following among reef keepers and saltwater enthusiasts — and for good reason. Owner Matt has turned this compact shop into what many regulars call the best saltwater destination in town, with pristine display tanks, a huge rotating selection of corals and frags, and consistently healthy livestock that customers rave about months after purchase.
The saltwater side is clearly the star here. Reef hobbyists will find everything from live rock and quality frags to specialty foods like LRS reef food, along with the dry goods, equipment, and salt mixes needed to keep a thriving reef tank. Matt's deep knowledge of reef systems gives newcomers the confidence to take the plunge, and experienced reefers appreciate his ability to source quality livestock and provide honest, detailed advice.
Freshwater isn't an afterthought, though. The store stocks cichlids, angelfish, and community fish like neon tetras — one customer noted their neons were noticeably larger and more colorful than big-box alternatives. The freshwater frozen food selection is among the best in Sioux Falls, and specialized products like shrimp-safe plant fertilizers show that Matt pays attention to niche needs. You'll also find Seachem Prime at competitive prices, making it worth a stop even for a quick supply run.
Beyond retail, Matt offers tank installation and maintenance services, and multiple reviews mention his hands-on approach to servicing customer tanks. The store is small but immaculately kept, reflecting the same care visible in every display tank. Staff interactions feel personal rather than transactional — customers consistently describe feeling welcomed and well-informed after visits.
What sets Sioux Falls Aquatics apart in a city with several solid fish stores is the combination of pristine tank conditions, curated livestock quality, and Matt's genuine passion. If you're building or maintaining a reef tank in the Sioux Falls area, this is where the serious hobbyists shop.
Woofs and Waves in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has carved out a loyal following as the city's go-to independent shop for freshwater and saltwater fish, aquarium supplies, and pet food. Walk in and you'll find rows of well-stocked aquariums organized by compatible species — a thoughtful touch that helps customers visualize community tank builds. The saltwater section draws particular praise, with staff members like Mark and Austin singled out for their deep reef-keeping expertise. On the freshwater side, the store stocks everything from panda corydoras and kuhli loaches to pea puffers and axolotls, plus live plants at prices reviewers call very reasonable.
The shop functions as a true one-stop destination for pet owners, carrying dog and cat food alongside aquarium gear and livestock. A rewards program sweetens repeat visits, and the staff has a reputation for remembering faces and going the extra mile — whether that means analyzing dog food ingredient lists for allergy-prone pups or walking someone through a sick-fish diagnosis. Multiple reviewers mention seeking out Woofs and Waves specifically because the aquarium knowledge here outstrips what the big-box chains can offer.
The store also sells pre-mixed saltwater for hobbyists doing water changes, though at least one nano reef keeper has raised concerns about water quality and sourcing. And while the vast majority of fish purchases go smoothly, a handful of customers have reported livestock health issues, particularly with sensitive species like kuhli loaches and corydoras. The store has shown willingness to make things right — the owner once replaced a fish that succumbed to a known scaleless-fish illness well after purchase.
What keeps people coming back is the combination of variety, accessibility, and genuine enthusiasm. Customers regularly describe the atmosphere as welcoming and unhurried, with staff happy to answer even the most basic questions without judgment. For Sioux Falls aquarists tired of limited chain-store options, this locally owned shop delivers a curated selection of livestock, plants, and supplies backed by people who clearly care about the hobby.
Pet Pantry in Rapid City, South Dakota is a locally owned pet supply shop that has earned a fiercely loyal following over more than a decade of serving the Black Hills community. Owner Laura and her team—including staff member Ryan—have built a reputation for deep nutritional knowledge and genuinely personal service. This is the kind of place where staff members track your loyalty purchases even when you forget, where they'll help carry dog food to your car, and where your cat can come in to be fitted for a harness.
The store focuses heavily on high-quality, natural pet food and treats, stocking brands that are difficult to find elsewhere in Rapid City. Reviewers repeatedly mention Pet Pantry as the only local source for Orijen dog food, and the store carries Canidae, Taste of the Wild (reportedly at the lowest prices anywhere, including online), and Science Diet among others. Earth Animal rawhide-free chews are another customer favorite. The emphasis is clearly on curated, trustworthy nutrition rather than mass-market products, with staff who can walk you through ingredient lists and help find the right dietary balance for your pet.
The loyalty program is a major draw—buy a set number of bags of food and earn a free one, with case discounts on wet food and similar deals on joint supplements. It's a smart system that rewards regulars and keeps them coming back.
The atmosphere is warm and distinctly small-town. Mama Kitty, the resident store cat, greets visitors alongside shop dogs, and a "Wall of Pets" featuring customer photos adds a personal, community-driven touch. Pets are welcome to browse alongside their owners. Road-trippers passing through have noted the same welcoming treatment as decade-long regulars.
Pet Pantry isn't a fish store or aquarium shop—it's a pet food and supply destination. But for dog and cat owners in Rapid City looking for premium nutrition, knowledgeable guidance, and a store that genuinely remembers your name and your pet's preferences, it's become an institution.
In a city like Aberdeen, South Dakota, where specialty aquarium options are limited, Caleb's Aquatics has carved out a loyal following as the go-to destination for fish keepers and pet owners alike. Owner Caleb runs a shop that stocks freshwater fish alongside reptiles and other small animals, creating a one-stop destination for a range of pet enthusiasts in the northeastern South Dakota region.
What comes through clearly in customer feedback is the personal touch. Caleb himself is a presence in the store, and regulars describe him as approachable and genuinely invested in helping customers find what they need. One loyal customer noted that Caleb's is the only place they go for pet supplies — and that their daughter loves tagging along for visits, which speaks to the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere the shop cultivates. Multiple reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful staff, suggesting a consistent experience rather than a one-off encounter.
The shop carries pet supplies alongside its live animal inventory, making it a practical stop for everyday needs like food, accessories, and tank essentials. While the reviews don't dive deep into specific species or equipment brands, the store's reputation in Aberdeen clearly rests on reliability and genuine customer care — qualities that keep people coming back in a market where alternatives may require a long drive.
Caleb's Aquatics offers the kind of neighborhood pet store experience that's increasingly hard to find: a place where the owner knows your name, the vibe is laid-back, and you can browse fish tanks without feeling rushed or pressured. For Aberdeen residents looking for freshwater fish, pet supplies, or simply a pleasant place to spend a few minutes with the family, Caleb's has established itself as a community staple worth supporting.
Critter Mart & More is a general pet store in Watertown, South Dakota, run by owner LeAnn, who has built a loyal following among local animal lovers. The store carries a wide range of animals — birds, small mammals, reptiles, and freshwater fish — along with pet supplies, food, and toys. It functions as something of a community hub, with LeAnn known for taking in rescue animals and seized pets on short notice, getting them veterinary care, and rehoming them once they're healthy.
On the fish side, multiple customers praise LeAnn's willingness to help with tank compatibility, ordering specific fish, and offering maintenance advice. If you can't find a particular product in store, the staff will check with distributors to source it for you. The birds consistently draw compliments for their beauty, and the store's variety of small mammals — guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, hamsters, and more — gives it a bustling, lively atmosphere.
It's worth noting that Critter Mart has drawn pointed criticism regarding its reptile care. Several reviewers have raised concerns about cohabitation of solitary species, use of carpet substrate, and snake rack systems. These aren't isolated complaints — multiple visitors independently flagged similar issues with reptile housing and husbandry practices. If you're shopping for a reptile, it's worth doing your own assessment of enclosure conditions before purchasing.
The store's strengths lie in its community roots and personal service. LeAnn and her staff are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about animals. Cleaning is visibly ongoing, and many customers feel the mammals and birds receive attentive care. For Watertown residents looking for freshwater fish advice, pet supplies, or a locally owned alternative to big-box pet retailers, Critter Mart & More offers a personal touch that's hard to replicate — just go in with eyes open regarding the reptile section.
Mini-Critters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a large, general-purpose pet store that casts a wide net — puppies, kittens, birds, reptiles, small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and a freshwater fish section that has seen better days. With nearly a thousand reviews and a 4.2 rating, it's clearly a fixture in the local pet community, though opinions are sharply divided on the quality of animal care behind the scenes.
The store stocks a broad selection of pet food and supplies, including harder-to-find brands like Zignature. Multiple reviewers praise the do-it-yourself dog bath station as a convenient, well-set-up option for Sioux Falls dog owners. Grooming services get consistent praise, with groomers like Angie earning loyal followings for their work with dogs. Boarding is also available, though the store's cat grooming and boarding policies have caused confusion — advertised on hold music and the website but reportedly unavailable in practice.
The fish department is a sore spot. Several reviewers note that since a knowledgeable employee named Eric departed, the tanks have deteriorated, with dead fish visible and water quality concerns going unaddressed. One customer lost $100 worth of fish shortly after purchase and felt the staff lacked the expertise to properly assess tank readiness. The store does carry axolotls, though reviewers have flagged concerns about whether customers are being educated on their specific care requirements, such as the need for 60°F water temperatures.
Small animal care has drawn criticism as well — a baby rabbit housed with guinea pigs prompted a detailed, welfare-informed review citing the House Rabbit Society and RSPCA guidelines. A deceased bearded dragon found by customers in a reptile enclosure raised further questions about monitoring practices. On the other hand, staff member Ryan earns warm mentions for his bird knowledge and compassionate handling of a rabbit return.
Mini-Critters functions best as a one-stop supply shop and grooming destination. For live animals — especially fish and reptiles — prospective buyers should come prepared with their own research and ask pointed questions before purchasing.
